Italy is beautiful, and anyone would wish to visit after seeing the many posts flooding our Instagram feed. But if you can’t afford to travel abroad, why not plan a vacation within the 50 states and enjoy a similar feel to some of the world’s most sought-after destinations? A handful of places in the US, from wine regions to charming small towns, make perfect alternatives. Here are US destinations that are perfect dupes for Italy.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a unique portion of the California coast that rivals the world-famous Cinque Terre, a string of five colorful villages on the Ligurian Sea. These destinations share quite a lot in common, from rugged coastlines to blue, turquoise waters and dramatic coastal vistas. The charming town is a wondrous gem, whose breathtaking beauty has appeared on numerous postcards, and truly evokes an Italian atmosphere.
Venice Beach, California
Built to mimic the iconic City of Canals, Venice Beach is an appealing destination you’ll enjoy checking off your bucket list. While Italy’s Venice vibes are hard to beat, you’ll enjoy spending time in this neighborhood’s canals, inspired by the European city. They might not be as grand or offer gondola rides, but they guarantee a charming and tranquil escape.
Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley’s breathtaking landscape, featuring rolling hills with expansive vineyards, is reminiscent of the Tuscany region. In addition, Italian settlers heavily influenced the area, which is evident in some wine-making and culinary practices. While strolling through the vineyards and wineries, you’ll discover a range of Tuscan and Italian architectural designs. Castello di Amorosa, built like a 13th-century Tuscan castle, is a perfect example.
Chelan, Washington
Lake Chelan is a fantastic destination year-round. If you love the popular Lake Como but visiting is out of the cards, try this Washington lake. While its scenery is a little more rugged and not as refined as its rival, it bears a close resemblance. Like Lake Como, it’s a glacial lake surrounded by vineyards and mountains, with wineries increasingly becoming a popular feature. The area’s Tsillan Cellars, the largest winery in the Chelan Valley, was built to mimic a Tuscan castle and features an Italian restaurant offering delicious food and scenic views.
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City might not have an architectural look like Italy, but it compares to the Piedmont region in interesting ways. The beach paradise is known for its stunning Lake Michigan views, scenic nature, and bike trails. Stroll the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail for an Italian-like wine adventure. Over 10 wineries along this trail, including some producing Nebbiolo, one of the Piedmont region’s key grape varieties, await you.
Venice, Florida
Florida’s Venice is another city deliberately designed to evoke the City of Canals’ ambiance. The city’s designers did an excellent job incorporating the breathtaking canals and the Italian Renaissance–style architecture into the city’s design. While officially incorporated in 1927, the town has enjoyed Italian vibes since 1888.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Florida
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a National Historic Landmark and one of Miami’s most beautiful attractions. It’s a 1916 mansion that transports you right to Italy, thanks to its Italian Renaissance–style architecture. The estate’s structure and features, including the gardens, fountains, and sculpture, resemble a 17th–18th-century Italian villa.
Cape Coral, Florida
Nicknamed “the Venice of America,” Cape Coral’s extensive canal system gives off strong Italy vibes. The city has over 400 miles of canals, more than anywhere else in the US. You can explore much of the city from a boat or a kayak and enjoy access to the Gulf of Mexico. The beautiful scenery, waterfront lifestyle, and fantastic restaurants make it an excellent option for a romantic vacation without the international flight and Venice’s crowds.
Little Italy, Baltimore, Maryland
Андрей Бобровский/Wikimedia Commons. Hidden in southeastern Baltimore, near the Inner Harbor, is a charming haven for Italian heritage. One of Maryland’s neighborhoods, Little Italy, serves authentic Italian dishes in family-owned restaurants. It also boasts an Italian parish, St. Leo the Great Romantic Catholic Church, often seen as the heart of the neighborhood. The area hosts various Italian-themed events and festivals, from the Italian Heritage Festival to the Feast of St. Anthony.
Naples, Florida
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Naples is one of the most beautiful cities in Florida. There are numerous things to do there, from a vibrant golfing scene to stunning beaches and luxury offerings. Thanks to their striking similarities, it was named after the southern Italian city. Its history might not be as rich as Italy’s Naples, but some aspects will remind you of the European gem, including stunning coastal views. Early developers saw the bay as a rival to Italy’s, but later claimed Florida’s bay was more breathtaking.
Staten Island, New York
One of New York City’s boroughs, Staten Island is dubbed “Staten Island” for its significant Italian population, the third-largest outside of Italy. Over 35% of its residents were born in Italy. The strong Italian community has had a cultural influence on the island, notable in the cuisine, specific events, and architectural designs. While it isn’t geographically similar to Italy, it feels like a little slice of the European nation, particularly in neighborhoods like Rossville.
Coral Gables, Florida
Coral Gables, or “The City Beautiful,” is one of Florida’s most underrated cities. Built in the 1920s, the city has a strong Spanish Mediterranean heritage. George Merrick, the city’s developer, envisioned Coral Gables in a Mediterranean Revival architectural style, blending Spanish, French, and Italian influences. While the Spanish vibe is stronger throughout the city, some areas, particularly the Italian Village, evoke an Italian feel.
Catalina Island, California
Visiting Catalina Island is like touring Italy. The island’s scenery, with its dramatic cliffs, clear waters, and pristine sandy stretches, feels much like the Amalfi Coast. Avalon, the island’s only incorporated town, with its hillside homes, gives off an Italian coastal village vibe. The relaxed atmosphere and the outdoor lifestyle also contribute to its charm.
Loudoun County, Virginia
Loudoun County’s stunning scenery, featuring vine-covered valleys, evokes an Italian feel. It boasts over 50 wineries and tasting rooms and is only 25 miles from the U.S. Capital City. Leesburg, one of the county’s charming towns, offers an authentic Italian feel with plenty of restaurants, such as II Cappero, which serves some of the region’s most delicious Italian dishes in a relaxing setting.
Little Italy, Manhattan, New York
Another US destination that’s a perfect dupe for Italy is one of Manhattan’s coolest neighborhoods, Little Italy. Don’t be fooled by the neighborhood’s small size – it’s packed with Italian charm and flavor. Its authentic pasta dishes and fresh pizzas served in some of the best Italian restaurants are simply unmatched.
